Friday, February 17, 2017

Synod in Cyprus reflects on intentional discipleship

Delegates from 11 countries gathered in the Cypriot town of Larnaca
last week for a synod meeting of the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf
under the of theme “Intentional Discipleship”.

The subject was a theme
of the Diocesan Bishop, Rt Revd Michael Lewis, in his opening charge.He told the meeting of clergy and laity:

“Our identity as Christians today is exactly what it was for Andrew
and Peter, James and John, Matthew and Thomas and all the rest and ever
since – disciples first...”

“Disciples, by grace, learn. Disciples, if they accept the challenge,
walk the road Christ walked.” But he cautioned that “learning in order
to be somehow qualified is... not the true end of discipleship of
Christians.”

Synod members had opportunities to explore the theme in a series of
break-out sessions.

In particular they were encouraged to evaluate and
consider ways in which the Church is equipping its members to be
witnesses to Christ’s love.

The Synod also heard a series of lectures from the former Dean of
Winchester diocese, the Very Revd James Attwell. He spoke on a number of
topics including Creation, Liberation and the Kingdom of God – and
linked all of them to main theme of the Synod.

The itinerary also included a visit to St George’s Mavrovouni
Monastery where the Abbott, Simeon, encouraged the delegates to ensure
they took their faith seriously. It was a call which Bishop Michael
returned to in his closing remarks when he said: “the only way in which
we are going to hold our heads high in any context whatsoever, is by
living out our faith in Christ.”